Mazda, the fiercely independent Japanese automaker that trades on style, efficiency, and driver involvement, has revealed its upcoming mid-size two-row crossover, the 2025 CX-70. This roomy five-seater will compete with similarly voluminous rivals like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. While the five-seat Passport and Atlas Cross Sport are trimmed-down versions of their respective three-row siblings (the Honda Pilot and VW Atlas, respectively), the new Mazda CX-70 is, in fact, simply the Mazda CX-90 three-row crossover without the third row. It has the same wheelbase, track, body, drivetrains, and upscale interior. Visual differentiations include unique wheel designs, a more aggressive front fascia, and all-black trim. The hatch’s black spoiler and surrounding trim also trick the eye, giving the CX-70 a more rakish rear profile than the CX-90.
Three Available Drivetrains
As with the three-row CX-90, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 will get three drivetrains. Base models run with a version of Mazda’s new turbocharged 3.3L inline six-cylinder engine good for 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque (on regular grade fuel), while the upper trims bring 340 hp and 369 lb-ft when using premium fuel. Both engines are augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the range. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) uses a 2.5L e-Skyactiv turbocharged four-cylinder engine along with a 173-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Total system output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque (again, when using premium fuel), and we can expect up to 42 km of electric-only driving range.
Upscale and Roomy Interior
The CX-70’s cabin is a high-quality effort showcasing Mazda’s upmarket aspirations. The two Canadian models on view at an early sneak preview in New York City – the six-cylinder CX-70 GT-P and PHEV GT – impressed us with their tight tolerances, fine metalwork, and supple Nappa leather. Being upper trim levels, these specimens had all the good stuff – panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, upgraded audio, and so on. Seen here on both is the 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. There is a 12.3-inch unit that only shows up on the top-tier six-cylinder Signature model. The red Nappa leather in this six-cylinder GT-P, exclusive to the CX-70, is a visual treat.
Generous Cargo Capacity
The CX-70 has a roomy cabin with generous rear-seat legroom and headroom. The front seats are nicely contoured, and the compact steering wheel lends an air of sportiness. The split rear bench seats recline but offer no slide function. Opening the powered hatch reveals a broad cargo hold, and there’s a nifty compartmentalized underfloor “sub trunk” behind the second row that is exclusive to the CX-70. Buttons on the side of the cargo area have the split 60/40 rear bench folding forward automatically but not completely flat. Mazda doesn’t have official cargo numbers yet, but they’ll be very close to the CX-90’s 1,133/2,101 litres. Towing capacity for the CX-70 lines up with the CX-90: 5,000 pounds for the gas models and 3,500 pounds for the PHEV.
Since the CX-70 is essentially a CX-90 without the folding third row, some might question why it needs to exist in the first place, especially since the CX-90 has essentially the same cargo room as the CX-70. It all comes down to marketing. According to Mazda, three-row and two-row crossover buyers are different animals, and the automaker is positioning the CX-70 as a more sporty, active lifestyle offering despite there being no mechanical differences between the two. It’s all about perception.
A Dizzying Number of Models to Choose From
While Mazda hasn’t officially announced the 2025 CX-70’s Canadian trim levels and equipment yet, we can expect most of them will line up fairly closely with how the CX-90 is sold, which means a lot of model choices and a big price spread. There are currently five trims for the mild hybrid and three trim levels for the PHEV model.
There’s a reason for this. The CX-90 and the CX-70 have a foot in two camps. The lower trims duke it out with comparable crossovers from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, and VW, while the pricier GT, GT-P, and Signature models of the CX-90 (and presumably the CX-70) have their sights on Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. Additionally, with its turbo inline-six power (previously the prevue of just BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Range Rover), these roomy and richly appointed Mazda SUVs could swing some European shoppers their way.
Priced Under the CX-90
Mazda Canada has not announced pricing yet – that will come closer to the CX-70’s springtime availability – but we do know this two-row will be priced a bit less than the three-row CX-90, which currently starts at $45,900 for the GS and stretches to $64,350 for the Plug-In Hybrid GT.
Like the fine-driving and uber-chic CX-90, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 promises to be a lot of vehicle for the money.
You may also like
